The Cousins: Take on Washington

By Amethyst E. Manual

IN THIS TALE OF 'THE COUSINS' THE THOMPSONS AND THEIR TEENS AND THEIR BODYGUARDS ARE SUBPOENED TO TESTIFY BEFORE A CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON THE KIDNAPPING OF 'THE COUSINS' BY THE BOLLATARI CRIME FAMILY. TO PROTECT THE COUSINS FROM HARM, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES REQUESTS THE TEENS AND THIER FAMILY AND BODYGUARDS STAY AND SLEEP AT THE WHITE HOUSE. HOWEVER, 'THE COUSINS' ARE MORE FEARFUL OF LINCOLNS GHOST AND THE GHOST OF ELEANOR ROOSEVELT THEN THE BOLLITARI MAFIA CRIME FAMILY. A LOT OF LAUGHS IN STORE FOR YOU WITH THIS TALE. THE PRESIDENT LEARNS ABOUT THE TALENTED 'COUSINS' AND ASKS IF THEY WILL PERFORM A CONCERT FOR THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. THE GUARDIAN ANGELS DECIDE TO PERFORM FOR THE PRESIDENT THEMSELVES, SENDING HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE SCREAMING AND FLEEING THE HALL IN FRIGHT WHEN THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS BEGIN PLAYING BY INVISIBLE HANDS.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503571945

Amethyst E. Manual

Amethyst E. Manual FOR THE PAST FIFTEEN YEARS, AMETHYST E. MANUAL, WRITER, AND CELEBRATED ARTIST AND LITHOGRAPHER, WAS HARD AT WORK WRITING A DELIGHTFUL STORY CALLED 'THE COUSINS'. MOTIVATED BY HER DEVOUT FAITH AND GIFT OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE, AMETHYST NOW TAKES US ON A MYSTICAL JOURNEY IN HER BOOKS CALLED 'THE COUSINS'. THROUGH THESE WRITINGS AMETHYST CHALLENGES US TO RECONSIDER OUR OWN SPIRITUALITY AND DEVELOPED A BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR OWN GUARDIAN ANGELS, AS SHE HAS GROWN TO DO SINCE AGE 6 WHEN SHE FIRST HAD CONTACT WITH HER OWN GUARDIAN ANGEL AFTER GETTING LOST AS A CHILD., APPEARING TO HER MANY TIMES THROUGHOUT HER LIFE AND SPEAKING TO HER WHENEVER SHE WAS IN GRAVE DANGER OF LOSING HER LIFE. THEY BECAME THE BEST OF FRIENDS. HE'S HER TEACHER, HER SPIRITUAL ADVISOR, HER BROTHER, HER WARRIOR FROM HEAVEN, HER DEFENDER AND PROTECTOR, BUT MOST ESPECIALLY, HER BEST FRIEND. IT'S BECAUSE OF HER RELATIONSHIP WITH HER GUARDIAN ANGEL THAT SHE DECIDED TO WRITE THESE NOVELS. HER HOPES, THOSE WHO READ THESE STORIES WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR OWN GUARDIAN ANGEL. ALTHOUGH 'THE COUSINS; IS A WORK OF FICTION, AMETHYST KNOWS FIRST HAND THAT GUARDIAN ANGELS ARE REAL. THEY DO EXIST IN OUR LIVES. THEY WANT VERY MUCH TO BE YOUR BEST FRIEND TOO. SO MANY ARE EXPERIENCING GREAT DESPAIR, LONELINESS, LIVING IN FEAR, FEELING UNLOVED, LIVING WITHOUT A PURPOSE IN LIFE. YOU HAVE A FRIEND BESIDE YOU 24/7. TURN TO HIM FOR HELP DURING THESE TIMES OF WEAKNESS AND TRIAL. GOD GAVE THEM TO US FOR A REASON, TO HELP US. AND THEY WILL.. THE ANGELS ARE PERFECT HEAVENLY BEINGS, AND WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR AS YOU WILL LEARN WHEN YOU READ 'THE COUSINS'. THESE STORIES WILL WARN YOUR HEART AND TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE AND AFTERWARDS YOU AND YOUR ANGELS WILL BECOME BEST FRIENDS FOREVER.

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Copyright © 2015 by Amethyst E. Manual.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5035-7195-2

                eBook           978-1-5035-7194-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Rev. date: 05/26/2015

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January 26th, 1999. Vic

called the brothers in for a private meeting after dinner. All the guards were to be there as well. Sit down everyone, Ben make sure that door is locked. Vic said as he sat in his desk chair and lit a cigar.

Vic hurry up and tell us what this is all about, you’re giving me an upset stomach. Al said as he lit his pipe.

You were born with an upset stomach! Vic teased. The men all laughed.

Vic c’mon, are we getting sued? Jack asked nervously.

Great, now I feel so much better. Al said annoyed with a comical facial expression.

Vic spit it out before I hit you. Jake said as he sat on the edge of Vic’s desk. Vic laughed hard, so did the guards.

We’re being subpoenaed. Vic said as he blew out smoke. The brothers all looked at each other.

Why? Al asked as he stood up. What did we do? The kids? Did the kids do anything wrong? Don’t tell me the Bollatari’s are suing us because we dropped tigers on them, they dropped bears on us! Al said nervously as he paced the study floor like Groucho Marx.

Will you sit down please! Vic scolded Al.

Vic, how can you be so calm! Sean asked as he stood up.

Congress is cracking down on organized crime. Vic responded calmly. The guards all looked at each other, so did the brothers.

Congress? Congress subpoenaed us? Al said his eyes bugging out.

Yes Al, you want a sedative? I’ll call Dotty. Vic said raising one eye brow. Vic stood up and walked over to the conference table. We have to testify regarding the kidnapping incident in Vegas, here’s the worse part.

There’s a worse part? Sean asked as he rubbed his stomach. I need a Tums, anyone got any?

The kids are subpoenaed also. So are the guards who were kidnapped with them. They want to know everything. Vic said as he walked slowly around the conference table. Ike and Trevor locked glances, Trent’s stomach dropped.

What are we suppose to say? Trent asked nervously.

Vic, I need to talk this over with my wife. Ike said comically.

You need to shut up and do what you’re told. You’re testifying with the kids case closed! Vic said sternly as he came up behind Ike.

Yes Sir! Ike said as he bowed his head.

Not a word or complaint from anyone of you who have to testify. You tell the truth and we come home. Vic said as he walked back over to his desk chair. Here that Ike? Truth! You’re under oath. You dare lie under oath and you will be one sorry person.

Can we plea the fifth? Sal asked nervously as he rubbed his stomach.

Vic, can’t put the kids through this, they were first kidnapped in the cabs, they’ll ask them about that too. They’re come out of this basket cases. Jake said as he began to pace the study. Especially Julia! She’ll be like a nut. I can’t allow this Vic.

Jake, did you hear what I said? We have been subpoenaed by Congress! We have to go, can’t say no my daughter is a basket case. Vic said annoyed.

Julia’s not a basket case now, but she’ll probably be one after this is all over. What about our wives Vic. Think Dotty’s letting Michael and Bobby go? Jake asked annoyed in tone.

I already told her, she said they have to do it, and she’s calling your wives right now.

Great, Lauren is probably packing Antonio right now to go hide out in Italy. Sean said comically as he paced the study. Al was still stunned and unable to speak.

We were drugged Vic, what if they ask how the kids got away with this? And they have to tell the truth, we stole my Aunts sleeping pills and drugged the guards. Chet said nervously. What if they put them in a juvenile asylum. Some of the older guards laughed at Chet’s childish outburst.

There’s also a bad part. Vic said. Everyone stood still, staring at Vic with stunned facial expressions.

How many parts are there? Worse part! Bad part! What next? Dangerous part? Al snapped annoyed as he paced the floor. If there is any danger my son is not going Vic. Al said pointing his finger at Vic.

That’s the bad part, it’ll be dangerous. Vic said looking at the guards. The Bollatari’s will try to silence us by getting to one of the kids, or do something else. So we have to be on guard and ready for anything, especially when we’re in Washington. Vic warned.

I don’t want Sandra to know about this trip, I don’t want her going. Ike said seriously as he stood up.

Neither is Dana! Trevor said nervously.

My thoughts exactly, I don’t want any of the wives or your kids in harms way, So no one comes to Washington. Vic said as he put out his cigar. Keep calm, expect the worst, and make sure you stay in the state of sanctifying grace.

Amen! The guardian angels are chimed in together.

Great! Can we bring Father Bob with us? Trent asked comically.

Vic, they’re all in jail except Fengenzo’s son Frankie, he wouldn’t hurt us. Jack asked as he looked at Trevor and Trent. He was worried about them and his son. Marie would die if anything happen to their son and these young men who were like sons to them. Vic, we need to have a private talk like right now. Jack said as he walked over to Vic.

I read your mind Jack; I’m worried about the same thing. Vic said looking at Ike and Chet.

I’ll take care of it! Jake said winking at Vic and Jack.

Sabo, Jupitor, do your jobs or you’re fired! Vic said to Michael and Bobby’s guardian angels.

Can he do that? Denver, Ike’s guardian Angel asked comically.

Nah! Hackensack said as he looked up to heaven.

So when do we go? Sean said annoyed in tone. Lauren is going to be furious.

Dotty will talk to her. Vic said as he looked out the study window.

Rose better not hit me Vic over this! Al said comically as he left the study, everyone laughed.

When do we go? Ike asked nervously.

March 15, 9:00 am. We’re leaving here on the 14th, coming home on the 17th. It may take two days to testify, so we got runway clearance for March 17th at 11:00 p.m. Vic replied.

You made all these arrangements without first talking to us? Sean asked angrily. Vic got up and walked over to Sean. No Vic, I was just asking a question. Sean said as he backed away from his big brother. We’ll go, no problem.

I better not hear a word about this in front of the kids. We tell them an hour before they go to testify. We’re on vacation, short trip to D.C. That’s all they have to know. Vic said looking at the young guards.

February 3, 1999. 6: 05 P.M. The weather was brutal as an ice storm blanketed Houston. The Thompson brothers rode to work together, anticipating bad weather on their return trip home to the Valley. They arrived just in time for dinner. The day guards were pulling double duty. Vic went to wash up and change out of his business suit. He was now seated at the dinner table with the kid’s, Ike, Dotty and Val. Chick was on the phone with his wife, he wanted to make sure she went to stay with her parents who lived only two blocks away.

Dad, if the storm stops by seven, can we go out and ice skate on the lake? Michael asked as he buttered his roll. Vic looked at Dotty.

Does the word ‘sitting ducks’ ring a bell? Ike snapped, not realizing the boys didn’t know about the trip to Washington yet. Vic and Dotty’s eyes widen as they looked at Ike. Ike realized he said the wrong thing.

What? Sitting ducks? Michael asked stunned.

Yeah, ducks like to sit on the ice and slide around, and sometimes they fall through the ice and drown because they can’t find another way up to get air. Want me falling through the ice and drowning? Ike said covering up his slip of the tongue.

Oh, forget it Dad. Michael said comically. Ike was afraid to look at Vic or Dotty. Chick shook his head as he spoke to his wife. Vic decided to break the news to the kids about their up coming vacation.

No ice skating, we’re going to Washington D.C for a few days; I don’t want you breaking your legs before we go. Vic said as she cut his porter house steak. Michael and Bobby looked at each other then yelled.

YES!!! Michael shouted excitedly. Can we go visit President Flint?

Well, we can go on the White House tours but we may not be able to visit personally with the President. Vic said seriously.

I want a picture of me sitting on Lincoln’s lap. Bobby said excitedly. Dotty and Vic looked at Bobby then at each other. What? Bobby asked nervously noticing his parents stern facial expressions. All right I’ll stand next to it. Bobby said with puppy dog eyes.

I catch either of you climbing up on statues and you’ll be sent back to the Valley immediately with your guards. Vic warned.

I won’t Dad I swear, honest to goodness, I won’t. Michael said comically.

What if it’s a little statue about two feet high? Bobby asked.

There are no two feet high statues in Washington, if there are you can climb it. Vic said comically.

Can we go to the top of the Washington Monument? Bobby asked excitedly.

Can’t go up there! Jack, Bobby’s night guard said shaking his head. My knees won’t make all those steps, and I’m your bodyguard, you go where my knees say you can go. So find places with an elevator. Jack teased. Everyone laughed.

It has an elevator Jack, we’re going. Bobby said with a raised eye brow.

Can we get pictures on Lincoln’s bed? Michael asked as he cut his steak.

Michael, don’t you dare! Dotty said shocked. You will behave yourself on this trip young man! That goes for all of you. Dotty said sternly looking at the guards.

I won’t go lay on the bed, what do I look like, a child? Ike said with an indignant expression on his face.

It’s haunted Michael, why would you want to lay on a haunted bed. Want Lincoln to say Get up off my bed!" Bobby teased. Michael’s eyes widen. Everyone laughed hard.

He’s right, it is, and Hillary Flint talks to Eleanor; she’s haunting the place also. Chick said as he sat down for dinner.

What? Vic asked stunned.

Yeah, she has conversations with her, gets advice. Chick said as he served himself some mashed potatoes.

Who’s Eleanor? Michael asked seriously. Everyone stopped eating and looked at Michael.

You don’t know who Eleanor is? Ike asked straight faced.

Who is she a maid or something? Michael asked seriously. Everyone looked at Dotty.

My son doesn’t know who Eleanor Roosevelt is? Dotty snapped angrily to Vic.

Oh her! I know who she is, I thought she died? Michael asked comically.

She did die; she’s haunting the place too. Chick said seriously.

I don’t want to tour the White House, forget it. Michael said comically.

Good, I’ll stay outside with him. Ike said seriously.

Where did you hear she’s talking to spirits? Vic asked shaking his head. You’re going wherever I go young man, so you’re touring the White House.

What if the ghosts come out? Michael asked annoyed in tone.

You say Hello Abe, hello Eleanor. Vic said with a comically facial expression.

You will do no such thing! You say hello Mr. President, hello first Lady. You show respect! Dotty teased. The boys rolled their eyes.

Can we talk about something else; I’m going to have nightmares. Bobby said as he sat back in his chair. Dad, I see ghosts my heart stops!

Bobby, there are no ghosts, that’s only a rumor. Jack said as he winked at Bobby.

No one would stay there if ghosts of dead Presidents and their wives were roaming around the place. And you Mr, You had to tell them the place was haunted? Vic said angrily to Chick. They better not have nightmares Chick.

Can’t spank Chick Dad he’s almost as tall as you. Michael said with a wide grin.

Jake and Lilly were seated with their children and day guards who were also pulling a double shift. Yolanda made fried chicken wings, everyone’s favorite.

Yolanda, how do you get the skin so crispy without breading it? Sal asked as he picked up a chicken wing. You need to teach Jessica how to make them like this; her wings are so, so.

Bad! Ronnie blurted out. Sal laughed and shook his head yes.

They are battered Sal, but in a rice flour batter which is very thin. Next time I make them I’ll make you some to bring home to Jessica. Yolanda replied sweetly.

I want some also. Bruce said as he looked at Sal.

Hope this storm doesn’t get any worse; I wanted to go shopping tomorrow for some new clothes, can’t go to Washing. Lilly caught herself, and then looked at the kids who were looking at her.

Can’t go washing? Julia asked dumbfounded.

Nooo, she wants a new wardrobe which means a place, Washington! We’re going to Washington? Ronnie asked excitedly as he looked at his Dad. Jake looked over at Lilly with a stern look.

Honey it just slipped out. Lilly said comically.

Mom, I need new clothes too! Are we going to meet the President? Julia asked quite childlike.

Well, I don’t know, he may not be in Washington when we’re there, but we will tour the White House. Lilly said sweetly.

Where we staying? Ronnie asked. Don’t say it out loud, this place may be bugged. Ronnie said looking around.

Stop being ridiculous, the Valley is not bugged. We don’t know yet, we’ll probably find out when we land. Jake said as he took three more chicken wings.

What? Lilly asked stunned. Can’t wait until then to know, we have a lot of people coming with us, the guards their wives.

Wives aren’t going, just the guards. Jake said as he sipped his diet cola.

What? Suzy is going to get mad Daddy! Julia said looking at her Dad then Mom.

She’s right sweetheart. Lilly said looking at her husband.

Dad, the wives go on all our other trips, how can you tell them to stay home now? Ronnie asked concerned Jessica would get mad also.

We’re only going for four days, we have some business meetings, so it’s not just a trip, so the wives are not coming. Jake tried to reason.

Daddy!

Julia, case closed! Jake said sternly. Julia and Ronnie looked at Sal and Peter who were pulling double duty also.

They’ll live. Sal said as he nibbled on a chicken wing.

Yeah but will we when we tell them they can’t come. Peter said with a smirk. Jake looked at Peter raising one eye brow. Don’t worry Jake; I’ll wear a bullet proof vest when I tell her. Peter said comically.

You tell no one, no friends, girlfriend’s, boyfriends, absolutely no one until we get back. Jake said to his kids.

I can’t tell Johnny? Julia asked stunned.

Not until we get back. Jake answered.

He calls me everyday Daddy, what am I suppose to say when I’m in Washington?

Why is he calling you everyday? Lilly asked annoyed in tone.

Cause, he just does. Julia said bashfully.

Does Betty call you everyday? Jake asked Ronnie.

Dad, we’re practically engaged. Ronnie responded comically.

I don’t think so buddy. Jake said sternly.

You just don’t answer any calls from them until you get back, is that understood. Lilly said sternly.

They’ll think we were kidnapped again Julia said upset and on the verge of tears.

Then tell them you’re going somewhere that’s a secret. Jake said as she pushed his dish away. Great dinner Yolanda.

So the Bollatari’s won’t find out. Ronnie said looking at Julia, They’ll buy that.

Johnny will say ‘You can trust me’ what do I answer? No I can’t.

Julia, just say the phone may be tapped. Ronnie said comically. Julia rolled her eyes.

Julia, we have very bad enemies, we want to feel safe on this trip, can’t have everyone out there telling everyone else where we’re going and where we’re staying because the Bollatari’s know Johnny and Betty are your friends, they will send other teens to them to use them to find out what they want to know about us, so you say nothing understand? Lilly warned sternly.

Yes Ma’am. Julia said with a bowed head.

I hope Betty’s father doesn’t stop Betty from seeing me the same way Tina’s father stopped Tina from seeing Michael. Ronnie worried out loud.

He does I’ll shoot him. Sal teased, winking at Ronnie.

No I like her Dad, he’s nice! Ronnie said childlike.

I’m only kidding Ronnie, what’ya take me for a homicidal maniac! Sal said shaking his head. You’re a riot Ronnie you really are.

Why we only going for four days? Ronnie asked.

It’s just a short business trip that your Father and Uncle’s decided to bring us along on. Lilly said sweetly. We’ll go shopping tomorrow, if this storm let’s up. Lilly said looking at the kitchen window.

Looks like it won’t, Yolanda, put on the TV to the weather channel. Jake said as he looked at Sal. We need to check the generators. Jake said softly. Sal and Peter nodded.

Jack and Marie were seated for dinner with David and their day guards who were also pulling double duty. Storm looks bad Jack, hope I won’t be pulling triple duty. Dana doesn’t do well in storms by herself. Trevor said as he looked out the kitchen window at the ice pellets hitting the window pane.

Trevor, come finish you dinner. Marie said as Josie placed more barbecue spare ribs on the table.

Thanks Josie, only Josie can make barbecue spare ribs during an ice storm. Tulsa said as he took three more. These are so good.

Tulsa, breathe okay. Trevor said as he sat back down to finish his dinner.

Will you calm down please! Jack said as he reached for the platter of ribs.

I hope we don’t have a storm like this when we go to Washin. Trevor stopped; he caught himself saying the wrong thing. So David, how was school today?

We’re going to Washington? When? Dad!! Why didn’t you tell me? David said excitedly.

It was suppose to be a surprise! Jack said looking at Trevor. David looked at Trevor and laughed.

It just slipped out Jack, I’m sorry. Trevor said childlike.

Dana is probably shopping for a Washington wardrobe. David said with a chuckle.

No, none of the wives are going. It’s a short trip, and we can’t find that many accommodations. The guards will have up double up on the rooms. We’re only going for four days. Jack responded.

Oh, does Dana know she’s not going? David asked Trevor.

No, I’ll tell her ten minutes before we leave, hopefully she doesn’t hog tie me and keep me captive in the closet for four days. Trevor responded sarcastically.

Josie, how do you get these spare ribs so tender? Tulsa asked trying to change the subject.

They’re marinated for five days. Can’t tell you the recipe though, it’s a secret. Josie said with a wink.

The secret is I stand out in the icy storm barbecuing them. Josie’s husband Wilbur teased with a wink. David laughed, so did Trevor and Tulsa.

So do you think the President will invite us? I heard he loves rich people. Trevor said seriously. Jack gave him a stern look.

We’re Republicans. Jack responded raising one eye brow.

Don’t tell the President, he won’t like us. They may ban us from the tours. David said comically. I was hoping to meet sneakers. David said seriously. Jack rolled his eyes.

Didn’t it get run over or something? Tulsa asked as he took two more ribs.

No way! If Booboo dies can we bury her in the backyard? David asked with puppy dog eyes. He loved his white angora cat.

No, it’ll bring rats! Marie responded quickly. You can have her stuffed instead, wouldn’t that be nice? Marie asked sweetly. David’s facial expression was priceless. Trevor went hysterical, so did Tulsa and Rennie. David shot up from the table and ran to the kitchen bathroom.

Good thing that bathroom is close by. Trevor said with a chuckle.

What is wrong with you, telling him you’re going to stuff his cat while he’s eating? Jack scolded as he went to check on David.

I didn’t know he would get upset! Marie defended as she went to check on David.

What a waste of spareribs. Rennie said as he took three more. How much would you sell the secret for Josie? Rennie asked with a wink.

Not for sale. I take the recipe to my grave.

What? I’m your husband, you can leave it to me, I won’t tell anyone. Wilbur said seriously.

What makes you think I’ll go before you? Josie asked seriously.

I take life easy, and I have an athletic heart, doc told me. Wilbur responded.

So does a race horse. Josie teased back.

Jack took the guards into the study after dessert. David went to spend time with Booboo. He lay down on the bed petting the cat. No one will ever stuff you baby, don’t worry, just don’t die in front of my mother. Beaumont his angel had a good laugh.

So where are we staying Jack? Trevor said as he lit a cigarette.

No one will know, so don’t ask. It has to be kept a secret. Jack said as he sat behind his desk.

What? What do I tell Dana? She’s going to want to know where I am. Jack, she’s my wife, can’t tell her I can’t tell you where I am, she’ll divorce me!

I’ll talk to her; this is going to be a very dangerous trip. The Bollatari’s will try to stop us from testifying. So be ready for the worse.

You don’t need bodyguards Jack; you need the devil’s brigade. Wonder what Charles Bronson is doing, maybe we can hire him. Rennie said as he lit a cigar.

Don’t use the D word in this house, want the angels to tell Alexander and he’ll tell Al and Al will tell Vic and he’ll come beat your asses off your bodies. Jack said comically.

Jack’s a riot! Hackensack, Trevor’s angel said with a chuckle.

How about Mr. Phelps and Martin Landau, what was his characters name? Tulsa asked as he got a cola out of the refrigerator in Jack’s study. Can I have one Jack?

No. Jack said seriously, taking the cola out of Tulsa’s hand. If I told you once I told you a million times these cola’s are off limits, there’s hundreds of them in the kitchen, go have those.

Now I have to walk all that way, take a week to get to the kitchen, this is a big house!

Tulsa teased. Jack laughed and threw him a cola. God Bless you saint Jack. Tulsa said making the sign of the cross.

Al and Rose were now having their dessert with their day guards who were also pulling double duty. Pegge had made her famous strawberry shortcake with German whipped cream. Pegge, can I have more whip cream please? Chris asked sweetly.

I gave the last scoop to your father. Pegge responded. Chris looked at his father’s dish.

Don’t even think about it. Al said as he covered his dish with his hand.

Dad c’mon, you didn’t touch this side, just give me that part. Chris begged childishly.

Don’t touch it, I’ll do it. Al said comically as he gave his son some of his whip cream. Pegge, next time make triple the amount. Al said shaking his head. I’m going to have to hide to eat this cake now.

Pegge, if I ever end up on death row, I want this as my last meal. Hank Walgreen teased.

Why do they give people a last meal before they kill them? Chris asked shaking his head.

To be nice dear. Rose answered sweetly.

Why don’t they not kill the guy, that would be really nice. Chris said comically. How is telling a person, here’s your last meal, enjoy it before we fry your brains being nice?. Chris imitated. Everyone laughed. "It’s not funny. Alexander